"Peak Learning has been instrumental in their impact on my son’s readiness for the ACT and SAT. His scores have improved dramatically as well as his test taking abilities. The skills he has learned have also transferred over to his classroom work at East. He reads and understands test questions better in all subjects and his confidence overall in all academic areas has increased dramatically."

-Cary L. (Parent)

"I can’t tell you how much Peak has helped me, and I probably wouldn’t have made it through the class without your help. Thank you very much for being so quick to set me up with tutoring, and I will definitely recommend your company to anyone I know looking for tutoring."

-Hunter M. (Student)

"I am thrilled to recommend Peak Learning Solutions. Both of our children (grades 9 and 10) have been using Peak’s tutoring services this year to support them in Honors Geometry and Honors Algebra 2, respectively. Peak has also helped our son with overall study and organizational skills. The results have been great."

-Meg F. (parent)

"We recommend Peak Learning Solutions to help high school students who could benefit from tutoring to supplement classroom learning for some of the more challenging courses such as algebra and chemistry. This has been of great help to our daughter."

-Ken & Beth G. (parents)

"This semester Julie seems to have a better handle on keeping up, and even getting ahead. That has earned her extra credit already in English. Thanks for all of your help, I know it has helped her in many ways."

-Colleen S. (parent)

"Thank you so much for your help. Big difference for this exam. So again thank you!"

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"Our son Ryan is a junior and has been working with a tutor at Peak Learning in Chemistry this semester. Ryan missed a lot of classes at the beginning of this semester due to illnesses and fell behind in Chemistry. He was overwhelmed by the prospect of getting caught up while keeping up with the ongoing lessons. Working with his tutor really saved his semester. I don't think he would have been able to catch up and keep up with his class without his tutor's help."

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"Thanks for the great class! I enjoyed learning new material and I feel more at ease going into chemistry class."

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"I do not know words that can properly express my appreciation for the direction you have provided–and all with such amazing patience and understanding."

-Dawn H. (parent)

"Thanks so much for all of your help! Emily got a B in Chemistry and an A in Math. Hurray!"

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"Thanks for the tutoring. You helped a lot and I learned a lot!"

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"Kerrigan got an 81 on the chem final!!! Hurray!!! Thank you!! She is ecstatic, and we are so grateful for all your help!"

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"Our family has been very pleased with Peak Learning Solutions and we highly recommended this team to other families. Whether your child needs help in a particular subject area or needs to work on time management and organization skills at the high school level, Peak Learning is a wonderful resource."

-Kerry S. (parent)

"This morning I found James practicing aloud for his French oral test and I just about passed out! I asked how he thinks he will do and he said, “I already know it (the material)–I just thought I’d go over it just in case.” WOW!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!"

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"YThank you so much for all of your help! To go up over 200 points to score a 1490 on the SAT is unbelievable! I'm so excited!!"

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Kickstart Your SAT/ACT Prep: A Guide for Juniors

By Steven Darby - January 4, 2025

As the new semester begins, juniors have an important milestone on the horizon—preparing for the SAT or ACT. These exams play a key role in the college admissions process, so starting early can make a big difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help students get a strong start on their test prep journey.

Step 1: Understand the Test Format

Familiarity with the test structure is essential for success. Both the SAT and ACT have unique formats, so start by learning what each exam includes and how they are scored.

SAT Basics:

Sections: Reading, Writing & Language, Math (Calculator & No Calculator), and an optional Essay.
Scored on a scale of 400–1600.

ACT Basics:

Sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing test.
Scored on a scale of 1–36.

Tip: Take a practice test for each exam to determine which one suits your strengths best.

Step 2: Set a Study Plan

Once you’ve chosen the test to focus on, create a study schedule that fits into your routine. Consistency is key, so aim for short, focused study sessions 4–5 times a week.

Study Plan Essentials:

Start with Diagnostics: Identify your strengths and weaknesses using a full-length practice test.
Focus on Weak Areas: Spend extra time on sections where you score lower.
Build Test-Taking Stamina: Practice working through entire sections or full tests under timed conditions.

Step 3: Use Quality Resources

Invest in reliable prep materials to maximize your results. Whether you prefer books, online tools, or personalized guidance, the right resources can streamline your study process.

Recommended Resources:

Books: "The Official SAT Study Guide" and "The Official ACT Prep Guide."
Online Tools: Khan Academy (for SAT), ACT Academy, or PrepScholar.
Professional Coaching: A coach can help create a customized plan, teach strategies, and keep students accountable.

Step 4: Register for a Test Date

Choosing your test date early allows for proper planning. Most juniors take the SAT or ACT in the spring, with time for retakes in the summer or fall if needed.

Upcoming Dates:

SAT Spring Dates: March and May.
ACT Spring Dates: February and April.

Tip: Be aware of registration deadlines to avoid late fees.

Step 5: Practice Test-Taking Strategies

Knowing the content is just one part of success—mastering test-taking strategies can significantly boost your score.

Key Strategies:

Pace Yourself: Don’t spend too much time on any single question.
Eliminate Wrong Answers: Narrow down your choices to increase your odds.
Guess Strategically: There’s no penalty for guessing on either test, so answer every question.

Step 6: Stay Consistent and Confident

Effective test prep requires persistence. Encourage your student to stick to their plan, celebrate small wins, and stay positive throughout the process.

At Peak Learning Solutions, we specialize in SAT and ACT prep tailored to each student’s unique needs. From mastering challenging concepts to building confidence, we’re here to help your child reach their highest potential.

Contact us at 720-737-9221 or visit www.peaklearningsolutions.com to learn more about how we can support your test prep journey. Conveniently located at 6143 S Willow Dr, Greenwood Village, Colorado, we proudly serve families from Cherry Creek High School, Arapahoe High School, George Washington High School, and more.

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